The 22nd edition of the Amman International Book Fair kicked off on Thursday under the theme "Jerusalem is the Capital of Palestine."
Qatar is the fair's guest of honour this year, presenting a special pavilion featuring various cultural institutions and a unique cultural programme with participation from Qatari writers and researchers.
The opening ceremony of the fair was attended by Qatar's ambassador to Jordan Sheikh Saud bin Nasser bin Jassim al-Thani and Jordanian Minister of Culture Haifa al-Najjar along with Assistant Undersecretary for Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Culture Dr Ghanem Mubarak al-Ali, who also heads Qatar's delegation to the fair, as well as directors of Arab book exhibitions and guests of the fair.
In his speech, the ambassador highlighted the deep-rooted and growing relations between Qatar and Jordan, expressing pride in Qatar's role as the honorary guest of this cultural event. He noted that the Amman International Book Fair has been successful over the years, with 400 local, Arab, and international publishing houses from 22 countries participating this year. He also emphasised the diverse cultural programme offered by the fair, showcasing the pride of Qatar in being a guest of honour at this cultural occasion.
Jordanian minister al-Najjar described the Amman International Book Fair as a success story for the book and publishing industry in the country. She highlighted the fair's role as a platform for dialogue and communication of ideas, encouraging Jordanian families, students, schools, universities, institutions, and cultural entities, as well as visitors to Jordan, to visit the fair and engage with the cultural programme, which includes a dedicated space for children.
